"Compaq Presario V2000 Battery Problems"

I recently replaced the AC adapter for the company's laptop computer. At first I thought the AC adapter was broken because after plugging it in, the computer would not start, nor would it indicate that it was charging. Then I started the computer without the battery, and it booted up fine. I then plugged in the battery and it immediately switched to battery power and died (dead battery). What is going on here? The battery was fine prior to losing the AC adapter. Even if the battery is dead, the laptop should still get power from the AC cord, correct? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Not to sound snide or snippy and I mean absolutely no disrespect to you or your cause: This is why you let company techs or the company in general foot the bill as well as responsibility for such issues.

I would check the voltage input/out for the AC adapter compared to the Laptop. Your presentation has a strong indication that there is something wrong with something in the power train somewhere.

Too, just because you got a new (especially used) part does not mean that this part is functioning correctly *or* is a match for your device.

Good luck with your issue---my suggestion is to take it to someone that can check the voltage going to the unit---the power train in general.

It sounds like your battery has died. I had the same symptoms with that same model of laptop.

In my scenario after replacing the failed ac adapter the computer would constantly switch back and forth between ac and battery power. I let this go on for a while longer then removed the battery for fear of destroying the new adapter.

Download and run the HP battery check tool (HP owns Compaq) You may find that your battery has also developed failed cells. If this is the case you can buy a replacement battery or use the unit with ac power only.

Thanks for the advice. There is a slight update: even though it shows no signs of charging the battery, it does indeed charge it. While the computer will boot with the battery, it still will not recognize the AC adapter as a power source with the battery present. I have compared and confirmed the indicated power output of the adapter with requirements of the laptop. I don't have my VOM at work, I will test that tomorrow.

You are right, company owned devices should be handled by the tech support guys. I work for an extremely small company and I am the tech support.

Lemme know what you get...since we are on the same page then you know that the adapter to plug in that piece is a three dollar part but not easy to replace...check it and make sure it has not gotten wormed out some...could be shorting...

Strange hardware logic: the system is working fine now. I left the battery charging throughout the night. I came in this morning and turned it on, it is using the AC power with the battery in place and the charging light is now blinking. I guess the battery needs to have a certain power level present to use AC while the battery is present. Seems a bit odd to me, but I am sure some engineer has a good reason for it <IMG SRC="http://www2.geek.com/discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> Thanks for your help and the laughs.

Running Windows and I got it to boot up once. Tried typing in the password how ever the keyboard was not working. I signed on as the guest account and open wordpad and tried typing Still nothing....Shutdown the PC and now it wll not start up.

I took out the battery and tried starting it...Still nothing.

Changed the outlet that the AC Adapter was plugged into still nothing...No Lights nothing...

The keyboard is a strange one...this thread, thus far, is more on the AC and Battery issues so I'm assuming you mean to indicate you think this might be an issue with yours. You could get me lined out if you don't mind.

I'd check the AC adapter and the Battery. If you are a tech you should be able to lay your hands on a compatible battery to temporarily replace the suspect battery...or even the AC adapter if you can---here's hoping anyway.

As far as the keyboard: You'll need to address the power issues first. Lights on, *if* applicable, on the AC adapter? Contacts not worn on spring loaded contacts in the back where the battery mounts? Homed the battery in really good?

It seems this unit will give hiccup when the battery is failing or is not charged or even has a dead cell. It seems this particular laptop needs the battery in place while the AC adapter is used and that the battery must be functional---seems to be, anyway.

When you get the power issues addressed, of course, start with software related issues before jumping the gun on the keyboard hardware failure conclusion. You know...Device manager, Safe Mode and BIOS tweaks and work-around in your problem safari efforts. Once you've gone that route, then, yes, I would then address the keyboard as a possible hardware failure. It will be a gamble replacing the keyboard in cost effective considerations until you go the normal avenues to solve this dilemma. But when it comes down to the end of it, and the battery seems good, the AC adapter seems good, you get a good boot, the Device Manager, BIOS and all other aspects of this issue have been addressed, you will then have to decide if you want to jump out for the risk of buying a keyboard replacement to see if this will fix the problem....